DGCA Orders Enhanced Safety Checks on Air India’s Boeing 787-8/9 Fleet Following Ahmedabad Crash
DGCA orders urgent safety checks on Air India’s Boeing 787-8/9 fleet after AI-171 crash, mandating detailed inspections and reports from June 15.
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In the wake of the tragic crash involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, India’s civil aviation regulator—the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)—has issued an urgent directive mandating enhanced safety inspections across the airline’s Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet.
The directive follows the fatal accident of flight AI-171, which was en route to Gatwick, London, from Ahmedabad on June 12. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Of the 242 passengers on board, only one survived. The flight was captained by Sumit Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over 8,200 flying hours and training responsibilities, and First Officer Clive Kunder, who had logged 1,100 hours.
DGCA’s Official Directive
In a formal order issued on June 13, the DGCA cited the crash and recent technical irregularities as grounds for immediate preventive action. The order reads:
“On 12.06.2025, Air India’s B787-800 aircraft met with an accident while operating flight AI-171 (Ahmedabad–Gatwick). As a preventive measure, DGCA hereby directs Air India to carry out additional maintenance actions on B787-8/9 aircraft equipped with Genx engines with immediate effect in coordination with the concerned regional DGCA offices.”
Mandatory Maintenance Checks
Effective from June 15, 2025 (00:00 hrs IST), Air India must conduct the following one-time checks prior to departure of each flight:
- Fuel parameter monitoring and related systems
- Cabin air compressor system checks
- Electronic Engine Control system tests
- Operational testing and oil check of engine fuel-driven actuators
- Hydraulic system serviceability inspection
- Review of aircraft take-off parameters
In addition to these pre-departure checks, the DGCA has introduced “Flight Control Inspections” as part of all transit inspections until further notice. Power assurance tests must also be completed within two weeks.
Air India is required to submit detailed reports on these inspections to the DGCA for review.
Broader Safety Implications
The enhanced inspections are being implemented not only in response to the AI-171 tragedy but also due to a pattern of recurring technical issues reported on the Dreamliner fleet over the past 15 days. The directive is a part of DGCA's broader efforts to enforce stricter oversight on wide-body aircraft maintenance standards.
This move reflects growing regulatory scrutiny over operational safety following one of the most severe aviation accidents in recent Indian history.
Background on Aircraft and Crew
The Boeing 787-8 involved in the crash was one of Air India’s long-haul aircraft, powered by General Electric Genx engines. Captain Sumit Sabharwal was a line training captain with extensive flying experience, while First Officer Clive Kunder was comparatively new but qualified for the route.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, with black box and flight data recorder recovery operations underway.
